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Question of the Day (QOTD) is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a film/TV-related question that we put to you, the reader. The comments section below is like the feedback box at work; except, in this example, we actually read what you write and care about what you have to say.
Yesterday, Variety reported that this year’s Academy Awards would have a host. Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals & ABC Entertainment, made the announcement during ABC’s portion of the winter Television Critics Association virtual press tour. He didn’t reveal who would host, but apparently the Academy has reached out to Tom Holland to host after the actor revealed in an interview that he would be interested in hosting the ceremony.
The last time the Oscars had a host was in 2018 when Jimmy Kimmel hosted. Kimmel also hosted in 2017. Other hosts from the last decade include Chris Rock (2016), Neil Patrick Harris (2015), Ellen DeGeneres (2014), Seth MacFarlane (2013), Billy Crystal (2012) and James Franco & Anne Hathaway (2011). Variety notes that the “MacFarlane and Franco/Hathaway stints were seen as a bid by ABC and the Academy to attract a younger audience,” which did not work.
So, the question I ask today is: Who should host the 2022 Oscars?
I have two answers. My personal pick (which Sailor agreed with) would be Ricky Gervais. A lot of the internet also tweeted his name around yesterday when the Oscars announced they would have a host again. Gervais famously hosted the Golden Globe Awards in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2020. In particular, his 2020 stint was excellent. He basically spent the whole night knocking all the celebrities in attendance down a peg. It was hilarous and it’s exactly the reason the Academy would never hire him. But, if ABC wants ratings to increase I guarantee you that people will tune in to see Gervais host.
My other (more realistic) answer would be to have a trio of hosts. A trio?! Have you lost your mind, Karlston? I haven’t because I’m thinking of a recent trio of actors who previously starred together in one of the best new shows of 2021. That’s right, I want Only Murders in the Building‘s Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez to host the Oscars. Martin has already hosted a couple of times, and he’s always a riot when Short tags along. Through in Gomez for the “youth appeal” and I think you might have a winner. I’d certainly watch.
So what about you, screenagers? Who would you like to see host the Oscars this year?
I’ll see you in the trenches.
